JUNE 2024 NEWSLETTER

Toyota, Honda and Mazda Caught in Cheating Scandal: Reputations in Question?

Not since the days of Ralph Nadar, the Chevy Corvair fiasco and the inception of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has vehicle safety come into question. Now, after reports of cheating on test that ensure safe vehicles, has trust between manufacturers, safety regulators and consumers come under scrutiny.

Toyota, Honda Motor and Mazda Motor all said that internal investigations found that testing on dozens of models has been mishandled over the past decade.

Earlier this month, Toyota, Honda and Mazda admitted to cheating on tests that secure vehicle safety, though the automakers said the testing failures would not adversely affect the performance or safety of their vehicles. Toyota and Mazda have paused some sales, though testing on dozens of models have been mishandled over the past decade. This latest incident follows a similar event last year when Toyota’s Daihatsu subsidiary admitted to rigging collision safety tests for some 88,000 vehicles. Industry experts say that these recent events could shake the reputation of Japan’s automakers as pillars of manufacturing and quality control... Read the full article on the QZ.com website.

"Episode 11: Employee Ownership and a Role in the Community"

Welcome into the FixedOps UX ThinkTank, Robert Migliaccio, Fixed Operations Leader from Carter Myers Automotive (CMA) - about 30 rooftops in the Virginia area. A rising star in our industry, but he’s no new-comer. He’s got more than 2 decades of experience in automotive as fixed ops lead – from tinkering with car stereos all the way to service director. That journey probably defines you more than you know. Despite busy roles at the dealership and in the family life, Robert’s voice is sought-after in the industry. The next 5 minutes are yours - what can we do better to enhance the fixed ops ecosystem? Watch the full episode on the Recall Masters website.

What the Walmart Model Tells Us About Consumers

A Blog Post by Sean Reyes, Chief Marketing Officer for Recall Masters  

Most of us shop at Walmart from time to time, but it’s quite comical that so few of us will also outwardly admit it. But it’s no laughing matter when you look at the revenues since it’s humbling beginnings in 1962 when Sam Walton opened the first store in Arkansas. The retail giant has continued to own the retail shopping experience, pummeling competitors like Target and obliterating American fortresses like Kmart. 

Even those who don’t compete directly with Walmart, like Home Depot and McDonald’s, have to watch in awe at the company’s current ability to attract financially-strapped shoppers. Where most retailers are being cautious about stocking and staffing levels, Walmart is growing as consumers hunt for inexpensive groceries, household essentials and other merchandise. What can franchise dealerships, specifically fixed operations, learn from Walmart’s success amidst a tightening consumer market?

Walmart recently reported that sales at stores open at least a year increased 3.8% during its latest quarter from the same time last year. The company then raised its sales and profit forecast for 2024. Size has its advantages, as the nation’s largest retail uses its buying ...Read the blog post in its entirety on the Recall Masters website.

Tesla Recalls 125,000 Over Seat Belt Warning

Tesla is recalling 125,227 vehicles due to failed sensors that provide audible and visual alerts reminding the driver to fasten their searbelt. Affected models include 2012-2024 Tesla Model S, 2015-2204 Tesla Model X, 2017-2023 Tesla Model 3 and 2020-2023 Tesla Model Y vehicles. The company will fix the problem with an over-the-air software update designed to signal the seat belt warning anytime the ignition is on and the seat belt is not fastened.. Read more about this event on The Kelley Bluebook website.

Engine Debris Causes Recall of More than 100,000 Toyota Trucks

Toyota is recalling approximately 102,000 trucks and Lexus vehicles due to machine debris in V6 engines that was not cleared during product. Affected models include some model year 2022–2023 Tundra and LX vehicles. The debris may cause the engine to knock, run rough, fail to start or lose power. In the subject vehicles, an engine stall while driving leads to a loss of motive power...Read more about this recall campaign on the Yahoo website.

More Recall Campaign News

• Rivian R1T, R1S, EDV Recalled Due To Headlight Level Error
• Mazda Recalls 10,000 2024 CX-90 Hybrids for Driver-Assistance Issue
• Incorrect Headlight Control Module Software Prompts Audi Q4 e-tron Recall
• Ford recalls 109,000 Lincoln Aviator vehicles: Cellphones could cause issue with rearview camera
• Nissan warns owners of older vehicles not to drive them due to risk of exploding air bag inflators
• NHTSA Opens Recall Investigation For Over 51,000 Volkswagen ID.4 EVs